Crystal Palace players have been left shocked and confused by the departure of Tony Pulis, who departed by mutual consent after reportedly falling out with co-chairman Steve Parish over transfer policy.

“We are all shocked from the players to the staff,” said Keith Millen, who has been put in temporary charge for the Premier League opener against Arsenal on Saturday. “We knew the frustrations of the club that we hadn’t brought in as many players as we wanted but we had no inkling this might happen.

“The players are asking why. This has happened three times what with Dougie [Freedman] leaving and then Ian [Holloway] and now Tony. It’s important to reassure them they’ve done nothing wrong.

“Tony loved working with the group and they are a great group to work with. Now all of a sudden they’re wondering who is going to come in and what direction we’re going.”